She didn't know how to feel. She feels excited and nervous at the same time. She was excited as this would feed her curious mind. Nervous cause she would be alone with the Noxian General. "Ugh. Hello? Assistant?" Cass snapped her fingers. Xanna was lost in her thoughts but she came back to reality instantly. Cassiopeia was seated besides Xanna. She replied with courtesy "Yes, Lady Cassiopeia?" Cass looked at her, "Thank God, I got your attention now. I want you to get atleast 1 bag of the berries. I need to make back up counter potions, Got it?" She nodded. "Don't get the idea that Darius likes you. He had a lover before but she died because Darius prioritized Noxus." That's the same reason why Cass helped Darius for this because she knew that Darius would be one of the leaders that will bring Noxus victory and Draven is the only one he got.. Darius retaliated. "I'm just here, I can hear you." he gave that statement to let them know that he doesn't want to be the topic. Cass ignored him. "Assistant, What's your name and where are you staying?" Cass was really intrigued at her "My name is Xanna and I hail from Bilgewater my Lady." Cass was waiting for her answer on where will she stay , she raised her eyebrows. "And.." Xanna's heartbeat pounded through her chest as she doesn't know the answer to this, she looked at Darius asking for help. "She will be staying in my manor for the meantime until she can get her own place in the city." Finally she felt saved. She got the answer that she wanted to hear. "Alright then I'll give Draven the potion tomorrow after lunch, Xanna you need to sustain Draven for the meantime. I'll be back." She stood up and Darius immediately followed. Xanna was left with Draven ,she got a book from her Satchel and looked for a good spell that wouldn't consume all her energy to sustain him. In a couple of minutes Darius was back and she didn't even noticed. He cleared his throat "hmmm." She dropped her book in the bed and looked back at the door. "Yes?" He walked close to her "Alright, We'll go as early as tomorrow. I just need to talk to General Swain. I will introduce you as my assistant so they will not do any background checks." She just looked at him. "Where will I stay?" He raised his eyebrows "Did you not hear what I said earlier?" She just crossed her arms and muttered "Now, I am starting to feel like a hostage." He just ignored her "Well if you have someone you know here in Noxus you are welcome to go with them. Otherwise, you stay here I don't want to be worried by you getting lost or whatever. You are also allowed to go back to your precious village and you'll know what's gonna happen ." well technically i'm your hostage. I just don't have shackles and I am treated well. She put a spell on Draven for sustain. She looked really exhausted. "May I know where can I rest, I'm really tired. I need to get ready for tomorrow." He turned his back on her. "Follow me." She just followed him. They stopped in a room a couple of doors from where Draven is at. He opened the door for her. "Here, You may use this room until you have enough to get your own place. Being my assistant would jumpstart your career. I'll have one of my servants to bring you dinner. I'll see you tomorrow 6am." She just nodded. The bedroom was decent. It has a double sized bed, a study table and it has its own bath room. She closed the door as soon as she heard the footsteps faint.What the hell. I need to accompany him and what's wrong with Cassiopeia. Why is she teasing me and Darius. I'm really tired and hungry. It makes me regret my decision. I should've just ran away , but I can't stand the idea of people dying because of me. This is all because of magic. I should've just stayed home in Demacia, listened to mama. But, I'm of right age. I will be wed to whoever they think suitable. I could've bear it if it was Ezreal but he doesn't show any interest in marrying me. There are lots of things running in her brain during that time. she just wanted to soak in the tub for hours but it was cold. She changed her clothes to something more comfortable. She was wearing her brothers over sized shirt, undies and a colored pair of socks.. She brought this with her when she ran away as she would really miss her brother. Food was delivered to her room she ate in silence thinking about lots of things. After she ate , she lied down and was staring at the ceiling.I didn't mean to be stuck in all of these problems. I just want everyone from the village safe. Now I'm stuck on helping Noxians. I can't let Draven die because he's all Darius have. Ohh wait , why do I care? Hmmm this is really hard. I just want to go home but if I go home Darius will sure to track me down and might lead to chaos. Luxanna Crownguard what have you done!She pulled a small stuffed rabbit in her magical satchel and hugged it tight.Everything will be alright.She closed her eyes and slept. Meanwhile. Darius just walked out of his brothers room. I hate that you are my weakness. I just can't bear thinking about you dying. You have always been my weakness Draven, even when we were younger.He walked to his room and dinner was already on his table. He removed his armor and undershirt, he was just wearing his compression shorts. Is it really worth to have that mage. I should've just left that mission to someone else. After all she isn't Quill. She's different. He sat straight. What is wrong with me. I am a Noxian general and this shouldn't be an issue for me. I will serve Noxus and shant be bothered by these things. He ate and washed his face. Another round of sleepless night. He tried to sleep but the fact that his brother is in mortal peril makes him uneasy. He forced himself to sleep as he knows that it would be a long day. Paperworks, Inspection and of course Travel to Freljord. He woke up at 5am , he thought that he had enough sleep but he was simply restless. He looked at the vanity mirror. He isn't as Narcissist as his brother but he noticed he had stubbles and he needed to shave. I look really older than my age. It doesn't bother me but I can't look weak. He shaved and he felt that he lost a couple of years. He got ready. He wasn't wearing his Armor but he was wearing something casual. He was just wearing a white buttoned up shirt and pants. He walked to Xanna's room he knocked and expected her to be ready. 3 knocks. "Are you ready? We'll be going in a couple of minutes." No response. He got a bit worried thinking that she already escaped. He held the knob and it isn't locked. "I'm coming in if you aren't answering." Xanna was asleep. She was really tired from all the happenings the day prior. "I'm coming in now." He opened the door and all the curtains was closed, the lights were off. He walked to open the curtains and turned on the lamp. He looked back at the bed and saw how she was balled up and hugging a stuffed noticed as well that he wasn't wearing any shorts just an oversized shirt. "Ehem" He cleared his throat out loud. Xanna became fully aware that there was an intruder in her room and was in state of panic. She threw in a binding light before she can open her eyes. She screamed "How did you find me?" Darius was able to move away from it but the light was really fast and caught him. "You are in my house? And would you care to remove this binding lights?" His eyes were closed but his eyebrows flinched. She screamed. "Pervert! Why are you in my room! " He was really annoyed now. "Didn't I tell you to be ready at 6am? I came in because no one was responding! I thought you already escaped." She blushed really hard and tried to cover the logo on her shirt. It say's "Vanguard" which was his brothers team. "I was really tired from sustaining your brother so I overslept. Big deal? And do I look like someone who breaks my promise? " His eyes still closed cause he knew that she might be embarrassed. "Care to wear some pants, then unbind me. I need to be at the office in the next 45 minutes." She felt her face really warming up and remembered she wasn't wearing any pants. She immediately get her satchel and got some pants "You should've asked one of your maids to check on me." As soon as she got some pants on she removed him from the binding light. Annoyed Darius teased him "So the colored undergarments were true" He was pertaining to the socks. "Pervert!" Darius turned his back on her and walked to the door. "Be ready in 15 minutes. I'll be waiting downstairs and For your information. I was talking about the socks. Who's more perverted now." She wasn't able to retaliate. She took a quick shower and dressed up. She wore brown pants and a darkblue top and of course her trusty satchel. He was already down stairs. He had his armor and axe in a crate. "Finally." He began to carry his crate and walked to the door, a coach was already waiting for them. She just followed him. "We'll just eat breakfast in my office." She just followed him to the coach. It's been half an hour and all she can see was the beauty of Noxus. She tried to open a small talk. "Noxus looks different in person than on books." He just grunted. "Why? Does it look too harsh for you?" She was happy that he responded she smiled and "Well , I read in a book that it's described as dark." He was staring at the window of the coach. She continued. "It looks just like Demacia, It makes me feel that Noxus and Demacia are just lines in the map." Confused. "How did you know that it's just the same in Demacia, have you been there? " OOps. I said too much, "Well yeah, when I was younger when my father was doing some trade in Demacia. My father doesn't bring me with him when he's doing trades here in Noxus." I hope he doesn't suspect that much.The coach suddenly stopped it prompted them that they're already in his office. He opened the door and walked straight to his office with this crate, as soon as he entered his office his steward was already there waiting for him. "Any new files?" His steward told him there were no new files that he needs to look and approve for. " Bring me and Xanna breakfast. And do check General Swain if he's already there. Have an appointment set up and tell his steward it's urgent." The steward nodded "Is there anything that you want in particular Lady Xanna?" She smiled and told him "Surprise me." She just stayed at one of the chairs at Darius' table. He was looking at old files and getting through them. They didn't say anything. It looks like that Darius doesn't want to be bothered. In a couple of minutes his steward was back he got them breakfast. He got them coffee, muesli, yogurt and fruits. He told Darius that General Swain will be ready in an hour. They took their breakfast in silence after their breakfast. Darius told Xanna his plan. "Like what I've told you last night you'll be my personal assistant from now on " She remained uncomfortably silent. She was just observing him. "Are you okay? Cat got your tongue?" He tried to break the silence because he knew that he needs to make her feel more comfortable, especially they'll be together for a couple of days. "No. It's just that I don't want to bother you. It looks like that you are doing a lot." She looked at her feet while talking to him. He talked without even looking at her. "I'm just going through my paperworks. I trust my steward that he did just fine but I just wanted to check some details before we pass it to General Swain." She replied. "So this General Swain must be really that important then." He nodded. "Yes, He is the Grand General and I'm gonna introduce you to him in a bit. I need to ask for leave of absence too." Time passed slowly and she can't help to look at him. He was simply beautiful up close. She got curious by every bit of scar in his body as if they're stories ready to unfold. He was dense when it comes to things like this but he felt her icy blue stare. The steward reminded him that in the next 15 minutes General Swain will be meeting them. The 3 of them walked to General Swain's office. Xanna was really nervous about the meeting. She can't help to think that she'll be lying straight in the face of a Grand General. Swain's steward spoke "General Swain is finishing a bit of his papers, I'll let you know when you can come in. for the meantime stay here." Her heart was pounding and there are some droplets of sweat on her forehead. She was seated between Darius and the Steward. "Here, I think you need this" Darius passed her a hanky and tried to tease her. "I can hear your heart from here Relax. He only eats virgins." She took the hanky with haste and blushed.Duh! It makes me feel like I'm gonna meet my date's dad on the first date.. The steward came back "General Swain is now ready." The three of them walked in to a private chamber. It was mid day but she felt that the room was a bit too dark. Darius greeted the General. "Good Morning General Swain." Swain just nodded and offered them a seat. He was a good looking man for his age. He looked at Xanna "I never knew that you were dating General Darius." Darius remained a straight face "This is my personal assistant , Xanna , a mage from Bilgewater that can help me for future missions." Swain just agreed. "Right, right. So what do you want to talk about" A bird swooshed down to Swain and he pet it while Darius was talking. "I'll be taking a week personal leave starting today and I want to personally ask you for this." Swain raised his eyebrows. "Oh my, that's peculiar, you haven't had any leave since you started your services. Is there something that I need to know?" Darius already thought about this. He came prepared. "Well , I wanted to visit Zaun and Piltover. Xanna will help me with the new information that I can acquire from there and I really needed a break." The final words seemed to seal the deal. "Fair enough, Sure. I approve of it. Who will man your office while you are out?" Darius pointed out that his steward will take his place for any decision making. "I trust my steward knows my values and how I make any decisions. I think he'll just do fine." Swain looked at Xanna "I trust you General Darius, I've known you since you were just a mere soldier. Remember this. A Noxian knows who he is and what he must do. You may now take your leave". Those words sent shivers to their spines. Darius felt a bit guilty as it is his first time to lie in front of General Swain. They walked back to Darius' office. He talked to his steward and left some instructions. It was almost noon. Xanna reminded him that Cassiopeia will be coming back to his manor. He told Xanna "we'll go to their estate now, I think it's best that we accompany her. The du Couteau family isn't good with time." Darius carried his crate She walked with Darius in the city. She's been in Noxus a couple of times but this would be the first time she'll walk there in broad daylight. Noxus wasn't that bad. Lots of stores were open that time. It was like an oasis in her eyes. "Noxus is really something" she muttered. Darius stopped at one particular store. "Wait here." He put down his crate and he walked in the store and when he came back he was holding 2 cups. It was frozen yogurt. "Here. It's hot on the way there. You need to have something to cool you off." She took it. She had Kiwi and strawberry yogurt while he got some plain vanilla yogurt. "Thanks." They sat in one of the bench in the park across the store. Deep inside Darius was glad that he chose the right flavor. "You really like yogurt huh?" She tried to open a convo. "Well it's healthy and like what I've said it cools off your body." She bit her spoon. "Do you mind if I ask something?" He continued eating. And just grunt as if he's saying yes. "Well , I just noticed that everyone's teasing you about dating…" He stopped eating and he answered back "It's because they haven't seen me with anyone. That's it." She looked at him and she knew that he isn't comfortable talking about it. "Okay. Was just curious about it." They finished their cups and walked straight ahead to the du Couteau's mansion. They arrived there in 10-15 minutes walk. Xanna was amazed by how beautiful the mansion was. It was Classic yet it has that Goth feeling. Darius talked to one of the servants and was asked to stay at the waiting room. It was a large waiting room , red carpet every piece of their furniture was red black and gold. They sat at one of the sofas he sighed. "Told you they're not good with punctuality. She's still asleep." She looked down at her feet. I just miss home now. This is exactly how our mansion looks like it's just that ours is blue, silver and white."It's too early" Cass came in the waiting room. She was wearing an above the knee length silk chemise and a sheer lace robe on top of it. Her hair was neatly braided. She was beautiful even she just woke up. She was scratching her left eye and yawned. She looked at Darius and Xanna. "Oh yeah, I forgot you're from the military so you expected me to be punctual." She turned back. "I'll have my servants prepare us breakfast, or in this case lunch. I'll just get ready." She walked back to her room. The 2 were left alone in the waiting room. It was really silently awkward. She didn't try to talk to him as they were really awkward prior going to their mansion. Minutes felt like hours when Another red head lady went in the room. She was as beautiful as Cassiopeia. stunning red hair , emerald green eyes, petite but she doesn't have that lady like attitude Cass have. "So, what brings the Hand of Noxus here?" Her voice was really cold. He turned around and look at her. He didn't answer he just rolled his eyes. "How about you, Who are you? I guess I have the right to know who are the visitors in my house." Xanna was about to answer when she was cut of by Cass. "Well they're my visitors Kat so it's none of your business." She taunted her sister. "Well I just want to know who my little sister is hanging out these days." Cass raised her eyebrows. "Well if you need to know. It's a military top secret." She said this so that her sister wouldn't pry. "I don't have all day, What are you waiting for?" She rolled her eyes at the 2. She walked them to the Dining room. Xanna really missed Demacia when she walked in the Dining room. She felt home. The table setting was for a formal dinner. She missed the Soup Spoon , Salad fork , Dinner Knife and Fork, Dessert Fork and Spoon. She missed all this stuff. She sat beside Darius and Cass was across them. They were served Mozzarella Sticks, Chicken Poppers and Marinara sauce for Appetizers , Xanna was quite happy about their lunch. She took some. After that they were served with Lobster Bisque Soup with Sauvignon Blanc Wine. It looks like Darius wasn't interested with all of these. Xannah whispered to him "Try it out, it compliments each other. You can use the soup spoon ,it's the outermost spoon." For some reason Darius did take her advice. Cass was just watching them. After the soup they were given Salad baby tomatoes , baby arugula , pistachios , goat cheese and basil vinaigrette. Darius looked seriously annoyed. Xanna leaned to him "Use the fork on the outermost left." The food was really good but he wasn't really feeling it. After their salad finally the main course arrived. Herbed crusted rack of lamb with variegated potatoes and haricot verts and some minty cabernet merlot. It was really a delightful lunch. "So, Do you always have your lunch like this? It's time consuming." Darius muttered while munching on his meat. "Not really but I just want you guys to have a decent meal before you head off to Freljord. It might be your last." The sound of her voice didn't feel like she care. "Xannah, Good thing that you know your table manners. You know which utensils to use." Oh my. I didn't mean to do that. She was fast to think about her alibi. "I read it in the books Lady Cassiopeia." Cassiopeia raised her eyebrows "If you say so Xannah from Bilgewater." Xannah felt really nervous as she isn't used to lying to people. They finished their lunch with a soft vanilla ice cream. A coach was already waiting outside it was already after lunch. The servant asked for Darius' crate. "I'll just carry it to where you'll put it. It might break your bones." The servant nodded to him. They went straight away. The coach was roomy. Darius sat beside Xanna and Cass was across them. She was just looking at the window throughout their journey. It took them 20 mins before they were in Darius' manor. Draven was still asleep. It looked like the poison was spreading. His legs were officially purple and green. Cass took something out her pocket, a small green vial. "Before I do this, I need your consent" She asked for Darius' approval. Darius just nodded. "Alright, Here it goes." She stabbed Draven with the vial. Cassiopeia's petrifying gaze potion started to work. It looked like Draven's skin started to have something like "scales". Cass took the vial out. "This is only good for 7 days. You need to be back as soon as you can." She looked at Xanna. "Again, you need to bring me a bag full of those berries. I'll be back here next week to check on him. You can go directly at my place once you get them , alright?" Xanna nodded politely. Darius didn't waste any time and he got all the things that he needed. Xanna just changed to something that she can easily move. She wore one of her cotton dress shirt and leggings and was just waiting outside with one of the horses. Darius finally came out and he was wearing something casual, he looked good on a plain shirt and pants "Is that all that you are bringing?" asked Darius. "Well, this is my trusty satchel. Everything I need is already here." Darius mounted his horse. "Are you sure you want to ride a horse alone." Xanna was a bit annoyed with the question she mounted the horse and run ahead of him looked back and smirked "Last one to the gates of Noxus is a loser" He cringed at this as he is very competitive. They began their journey.